Public-private partnerships (PPPs), i.e. private finance for public infrastructure, are now emerging as a viable source of infrastructure investment in developing countries. A successful PPP arrangement capitalises on the strengths of both the private and the public sector to provide a better and more cost-effective public service, and speed up the rate of its implementation or coverage. The growth in PPPs has been attributed to several reasons, including increased efficiency in project delivery and operation; reinforcing competition; access to advanced technology; and reducing government
budgetary constraints by accessing private capital. Although there are many successful PPP projects worldwide, there are also examples of costly failures that have negatively affected development. The question then arises as to under what conditions do PPPs create win-win situations as a result of mutual benefts or socioeconomic symbiosis. The 10 cases that are the subject of this study are intended to give public-sector policymakers in sub-Saharan Africa an insight into the many practical policy issues that arise in real-world PPP projects.
